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Moose on the Porch Quilts!

My name is Konda Luckau. I have been long arm quilting for many years, and now I am writing pattern books. This started when I fell in love with charm packs a few years ago. I am sure many of you can relate. Most of my patterns are written for charm squares (except you can make your own charm squares out of layer cakes, fat quarters, yardage, or scraps). Check out my books at my website:
http://www.moosequilts.com/

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

What do you do with your Scraps?

Isn't this a lovely pile of scraps?

Kona solids, Kaffe Fassett shot cottons, and Moda cross weaves. Yes, I will show you the rest of it one day.

Question of the day -- what do you do with your scraps?

For years, I had a trash can designated just for fabric scraps. It didn't get emptied often just smashed down. I tried making fabric from the fabric scraps -- some people do. It didn't work well for me. I have been trying something else recently. I don't remember where I heard, but I didn't come up with the idea, of putting all your scraps into a pillowcase. Then, when it gets full, stitch it up and use it for a dog cushion.

Those who know me are questioning this because I have a way with dogs -- and it really isn't great. However, I have some relatives who love their dogs. Wouldn't that be thoughtful of me -- to give them my trash? As you can see from the picture below, this pillowcase is getting about full. There are batting scraps in there too. I hope the dogs do like it because it's fun to not have to put those beautiful scraps in the trash.

22 comments:

I actually have a quilty friend that uses all my scraps. I just keep a box with a trash bag in it by my sewing area and fill it up and then mail it to her. I also keep scraps for myself, but mostly try and "share the wealth"

A couple of quilt shops save all the bits and they bags of scrap go to the animal shelter. They have a group of volunteers making up doggy beds all the time. If our local shelter did that, I'd save my bits. Right now, the scrap has be at least a 2 X 2 square or into the trash it goes!

I zig-zagged the strips onto paper to make cards, that was fun! I just made a table runner and 2 quilts from scraps, it's fun to play with the variety! Those tiny stringy ones you have would probably only work for cards. Or you could weave them like someone recently did at modabakeshop!

I actually never heard that about a doggy bed, but think it is a great idea and will start mine today!!I use my scraps for the most part, but there are a lot you can't use. Lately that is what I am doing using my scraps and stash up so I can buy new!!

I went to a quilt retreat last weekend and one of the ladies was collecting the scraps to make dog beds for the shelter. I had never heard of that and now you are doing the same. I will probably do the same now. In the past, I used them to stuff toys and pincushions.

I just throw out the really, really small ones. I keep a mason jar for decoration with cut corners from triangles though......weird I know :) the rest I keep in a laundry basket in the closet for a future quilt. I love the pillow idea. Mary from Quilt Hollow puts some of hers out for the birds which is another great idea that I may try!

Little bitty pieces go into a pillowcase for animal beds that I take to the local shelter. Bigger pieces I save for scrap quilts that I usually donate to my own charity project. If I cannot stand to look at it anymore I give it away. Sometimes I love it so much I make a second quilt for me or for a gift. Sue

I have sets of labeled plastic drawers that anything from a 1 1/2 square upward, in 1/2 increments. So in total I have drawers for 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2 etc. Anything smaller is binned. I used to make the dog beds but I do not seem to have as much waste. When starting a new project I go straight to my scrap drawers and take out what is required before cutting into larger pieces.

I do not mix my batting and scrap bits...things that can not be used in applicate.... as I compost my scraps.... BUT I do like the idea of a doggie bed.... have dogs and a very full compost bin...it is rose pruning season..... so...something new Thanks

We have an organization here that takes them and something about third world countries strip them down and remake them into fabric or something. Goodwill also takes them if you label them 'poundage'. I usually stick the 'poundage' bag right in the middle of clothes I'm donating (just in case they don't like them! LOL).

Like you Konda, I have lots of scraps and I do save the ones bigger than 1 1/2". I have a friend who teaches refugees to sew and quilt. My scraps big or small go to them. They use them to make items to sell. It is a way for them to learn a skill and be able to make money doing something useful. I think I will consider the dog bed idea. I have a feeling my cats would enjoy a bed like that too.

I have recently started saving my scraps and pieces of batting because I had heard people were making doggy beds from them. Does anyone have a pattern? I save most things 2" above unless I am sick of the fabric and then I put in the "doggy bag" I save the selveges to tie together panto patterns, batting, tie on scissors or rulers for classes (easy to identify) and even tie around cords for organization.

Not to be a wet blanket or anything but PLEASE be sure to seal your scraps tightly into the doggie beds. My sisters puppy ate a long quilting scrap and it got stuck in his intestines. He ended up passing away. She was mortified when she found out what had happened. Apparently this isn't uncommon. Just be aware. Blessings - Molly

I read the same dog-pillow post. But I have no dog, I want no dog, and the only dog I know here would eat the pillow. So I still throw away anything smaller than 1 inch. You gotta draw a line somewhere!